SALT LAKE CITY — Illegal immigrants applying for Utah driving privilege cards may now have to undergo greater scrutiny.

After attempts to do away with the cards failed, Utah lawmakers settled on an amended version of SB138 that requires fingerprints, photographs and criminal background checks. Those found to have felony criminal records would be referred to ICE and those with outstanding warrants to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Applicants previously were asked to provide only a birth certificate, tax identification number and proof of residence in Utah.

The Legislature created the option in 2005 primarily to ensure that non-citizen drivers receive training and obtain auto insurance. About 42,000 undocumented immigrants in Utah have driving privilege cards, according to the driver license division.

Both the House and Senate approved the bill and it now goes to the governor for consideration.

Dennis Romboy is a reporter for Deseret News where for the past 20 years he has covered a variety of beats including state and local government, human services and the 2002 Olympics. He spent six years as a special more ..